Gastroenterology is a medical branch that deals with studying, diagnosing, and treating conditions in the digestive system. Organs covered in this study range from the esophagus up to the anus. Physicians in this field aim to provide the right treatment for patients living in Cuenca, Ecuador, by conducting various testing procedures that reveal their actual condition. Common procedures done as part of the testing process include colonoscopy and endoscopy.

Colonoscopy

Colonoscopy is an examination procedure that provides physicians with an internal image of the digestive system. This test uses a fiber optic camera attached to a long tube and inserted through the anus. Colonoscopy verifies causes of palpable or non-palpable symptoms such as severe stomach pains, tumors, intestinal obstructions, and others. The physician manipulates the camera using its maneuvering attachment on the scope, exploring possible issues in the colon area for experts to provide appropriate treatment.

Endoscopy

Endoscopy refers to the procedure that utilizes a scope and is inserted through the openings connected to the digestive system. Colonoscopy falls under this category, but endoscopy can also refer to the procedure where a fiber optic camera is inserted through the mouth, traveling down to the esophagus, then to the stomach and the upper part of the intestines. This procedure obtains images for problems occurring in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Physicians select this option if symptoms show possible problems in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Manipulating the scope is similar to the one used for colonoscopy.

Types of Surgeries

Gastrointestinal surgeries come in various types. Gastroenterology physicians ensure that patients living in Cuenca, Ecuador, are treated accordingly after verifying causes and their candidacy for surgery. Common types of surgeries for gastrointestinal problems are esophagectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy, colorectal surgery, liver resection, and others.

Conditions Requiring these Assessments

Various conditions may require assessments utilizing various scopes, such as severe stomach pain without palpable symptoms. Peptic ulcers or diseases in other organs may cause extreme stomach pain. These assessments inform physicians if the patient needs surgery or not. Images also give doctors an idea about what kind of procedures will work best for patients, like traditional gastrointestinal surgery methods or laparoscopy.

Complications

Colonoscopy and endoscopy are slightly invasive procedures, but they don’t pose significant complications for patients. Common sensations a patient may feel are bloating due to the tube entering the body, frequent gas passing, and slight stomach discomfort. The patient may be admitted to the hospital for a day to ensure rest during the first hours after undergoing colonoscopy and endoscopy.

Preparations

Despite different entrance points for both tests, patients generally need to ensure their digestive system is clean. This is to provide physicians with a clear and unobstructed view of the intestinal, gastric, and esophageal linings, where the causes of diseases can be found. The patient will undergo fasting for eight to 12 hours before the scheduled procedure, ensuring a good water supply to thoroughly clean the system. The physician may provide numerous tips to help clean a patient’s digestive system. Anesthetics will be provided to minimize discomfort during the procedure. If the patient needs surgery, another set of reminders and follow-up check-ups will be required.

Our gastroenterology department is ready to help you deal with various conditions in your digestive system. Call us today for an appointment at 410-8745 or send us an email.

*Originally published on Find Health in Ecuador October 14, 2014

Eye surgery is a surgical procedure that addresses optical and vision problems caused by congenital factors, injuries, or general eye degeneration. Individuals from diverse age ranges undergo this procedure to correct their vision issues and improve their quality of life. Corrective surgical procedures can be invasive or non-invasive, but both require utmost care from an ophthalmologist. Everyone living in Cuenca, Ecuador, has access to this surgical procedure and can get their vision problems treated with proper post-operative care.

Types of Eye Surgery

Different eye surgical procedures are available for patients with various eye and vision problems. Our experienced surgeons conduct the following procedures for patients:

• Cataract surgery: Cataract surgery addresses cataracts, an eye condition characterized by opaqueness of the lens rather than the usual transparent appearance of a healthy eye. This opaque surface resembles a cloud formation on the eye. Cataracts can result from injuries or degeneration due to aging and cause vision loss. Cataract extraction removes this surface and replaces it with an artificial intraocular lens. Post-surgical care includes rest.
• Glaucoma surgery: Glaucoma surgery deals with glaucoma, a collective term for different eye diseases concentrated on the optic nerve. Glaucoma causes vision loss and physical symptoms due to intraocular pressure. This pressure leads to dilated nerve vessels on the eyes, a hazy cornea, among other symptoms. Various surgical combinations may be applied to target the actual cause of glaucoma. Patients living in Cuenca, Ecuador, will undergo optical examinations to determine the best surgical variation according to their condition.
• LASIK: Laser-Assisted in situ Keratomileusis or LASIK is a well-known corrective surgery falling under the refractive surgery category. Individuals undergoing this procedure suffer from astigmatism, myopia, and other conditions requiring them to wear eyeglasses permanently. This procedure rectifies these problems, freeing patients from wearing eyeglasses.
• Retinoplasty: Retinoplasty repairs retinal detachment and other damages on the retina caused by diseases like diabetes. Apart from undergoing an eye checkup, a patient’s full medical record will be taken into consideration before recommending this procedure.

Conditions Requiring Surgery

Various conditions may require eye surgery, but most patients undergoing these procedures have permanent vision problems due to hereditary eye issues, accidents or traumas, and diseases affecting optical health. Some patients also undergo the procedure for cosmetic purposes as it improves eyes’ appearance and frees them from wearing eyeglasses permanently. Our physicians conduct a thorough assessment on patients to determine if they are candidates for surgical procedures. We recommend the best procedures and related variations to ensure proper vision improvement.

Complications

Complications accompanying these surgical procedures vary depending on the type of surgery and the patient’s risk factors. Generally, these procedures have a low risk of complications and may be limited to minor infections, eye pain after anesthesia wears off, and temporary blurred vision.

Preparations

Similar to other surgical procedures, patients living in Cuenca, Ecuador, will undergo a complete eye examination with our resident ophthalmologists and surgeons to determine their suitability for surgery. A comprehensive medical assessment will also be conducted to ensure proper care. We provide information on pre-operative and post-operative care to ensure safe recuperation. Risk factors and potential complications will also be discussed with the patient.

Long-term vision problems may be a sign that you need eye surgery. Restore your vision by setting an appointment with us right away at 410-8745 or send us an email.

*Originally published on Find Health in Ecuador October 14, 2014

Dental surgery is a collective term for surgical procedures performed on teeth and the jaw. This procedure is often conducted for cosmetic purposes, but some individuals undergo the surgery to improve their quality of life and restore dental function. Patients living in Cuenca, Ecuador, suffering from pain and other issues caused by dental problems will benefit from these procedures.

Types of Dental Surgery

Dental surgical procedures fall into different categories depending on the targeted site of surgery. Famous types of surgical procedures include the following:

• Orthodontics: Orthodontic procedures concentrate on teeth and malocclusions, also known as “bite” issues like overbite and underbite. Common procedures conducted by our experts are braces placement, molar removal, fillings, and cleaning.
• Endodontic: Endodontic surgical procedures focus on teeth roots or pulps. Since tooth pulps are hidden inside gums, this procedure requires an incision on gums to reach the affected part. A patient may undergo this procedure due to infected tooth pulps. Endodontic surgery may include a narrow incision to drain pus that accumulated due to infection or total root pulp removal. Root canals are the common endodontic procedures.
• Prosthodontics: Prosthodontics includes placing dental prosthetics. Many of these procedures require surgery due to the nature of placing the prosthetics, which include artificial teeth and other implants that restore teeth’s appearance. Common dental prosthetics patients living in Cuenca, Ecuador, often require are dentures, crowns, bridges, veneers, and implants. Placing these implants requires utmost expertise as prosthodontics professionals need to choose the right implants according to the patient’s jaw and teeth structures.

Conditions Requiring Surgery

Surgery can be recommended for patients with severe dental problems that affect their daily life. Dental problems can impact a person’s life due to infection-triggered pain, swelling, and difficulty chewing. A patient may also undergo this procedure for cosmetic purposes due to malformed teeth and jaws that affect their overall appearance. People who have lost teeth due to injuries and accidents are also good candidates for these surgical procedures.

Complications

Common complications experienced post-surgery are minimal. Patients may feel pain after anesthetics wear off, though the pain is manageable by taking medications prescribed by experts. Procedures that require excision and tooth removal may cause post-surgery bleeding with varying extent 24 hours after completing the procedure. Minor infection and swelling on gums may also occur post-surgery. The surgeon will discuss possible complications and proper post-operation care to minimize their presentation.

Preparations

The first part of preparation for surgery includes a physical examination of the affected area. The surgeon will assess the severity of the dental issue and recommend the best procedure for the patient. After assessment, the patient will undergo a dental x-ray to have a better view of the teeth to be fixed and jaw areas. The surgeon will then have a better idea about the right surgery. Pre-surgery instructions will also be discussed together with the possible risks and complications. Post-surgery care will be provided to set patients’ expectations.

Anyone may suffer from severe dental problems. You may need to undergo dental surgery due to dental problems or if you want to improve your smile. Call us right away at 410-8745 or send us an email for an immediate assessment.

*Originally published on Find Health in Ecuador October 14, 2014

Cosmetic surgery is a collective term for procedures conducted to improve a person’s aesthetic appeal. For some, undergoing these procedures is considered more corrective and restorative for specific functions of their body. Improving one’s appearance can also result in a confidence boost after feeling comfortable with their bodies. Undergoing these surgical procedures may cost a lot of money, but we devote ourselves to making cosmetic surgeries more accessible to people living in Cuenca, Ecuador. We guarantee competitive rates with results expected only from our experienced cosmetic surgeons.

Common Cosmetic Surgical Procedures

An individual living in Cuenca, Ecuador, can take advantage of the following procedures in our facility:

• Abdominoplasty: Also known as tummy tuck, abdominoplasty is a procedure that removes excess fat layers and skin on the abdominal area. The remaining skin and muscle will be tucked to attain a firmer look. Abdominoplasty is one of the most common procedures chosen by many individuals aiming to trim down.
• Blepharoplasty: Blepharoplasty is eyelid surgery to fix aesthetic issues brought by congenital issues and disfigurations triggered by traumas or accidents. This procedure also targets restoring eyelid functions that might be affected by these factors.
• Breast Augmentation: This procedure promotes firmer and fuller breasts and is a favorite among many women.
• Breast Lift: Breast lift will restore breasts’ fuller appearance after sagging due to reasons like aging, giving birth, and breastfeeding.
• Breast Reduction: Women who find their large bust sizes difficult to deal with have them reduced with this procedure for comfort.
• Buttock Augmentation: This procedure will give patients fuller buttocks that look great in jeans and other clothing.
• Cheek Augmentation: Cheek augmentation is a procedure that promotes better cheeks by highlighting the structures and contour of the face.
• Chemical Peel: Promote better skin with chemical peeling as our experts apply chemical solutions to remove unhealthy skin. This makes the skin look more radiant than before.
• Chin Augmentation: This procedure done on the chin also contributes to contouring the face while enhancing the overall appearance by promoting their prominence on the face.
• Face Lift: Also a famous surgical procedure, the facelift promotes a tighter and firmer appearance. Skin sags as a person ages as well as other factors.
• Liposuction: Liposuction is a well-known procedure for trimming down fat layers on various parts of the body. Unlike a tummy tuck, this procedure only inserts a tube on the skin until it penetrates the fat layers. It will then suck fats and reduce the affected areas’ sizes.
• Otoplasty: Otoplasty is a term for surgical and non-surgical procedures in fixing ear deformities. These deformities can be caused by either congenital structures or injuries.
• Rhinoplasty: Rhinoplasty helps patients achieve a perfectly contoured nose.

Recuperation

Recuperation varies, but many of these procedures are not as invasive. A patient who undergoes these procedures will be fine within a day up to a week. Proper rest, however, is required for those undergoing surgical procedures. Follow-ups are also necessary to see if swelling and other complications arise in the treated area.

Complications

Complications that come with these procedures include swelling, redness, possible infection, and mild bleeding after the procedure. Nevertheless, these complications will resolve soon. Persistent complications and symptoms, however, require an immediate check-up with our dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons for proper workup.

Preparations

Preparing for undergoing these surgeries varies depending on the procedures. But generally, the patient will undergo a comprehensive check-up on the part to be treated. Complete medical history will also be obtained to know if the patient can undergo the procedure or not. The patient’s medications will also be taken into consideration. The part that will be treated surgically will be marked to serve as a guide for surgeons. The patient will be subjected to local or general anesthesia according to the procedure’s requirement.

Be more confident and comfortable in your appearance. If you are living in Cuenca, Ecuador, you can reach our Cosmetic Surgery department for an appointment at 410-8745 or send us an email.

*Originally published on Find Health in Ecuador October 15, 2014

Cardiology is a field in medicine that deals with studying, diagnosing, and treating heart disorders and diseases. Being among the vital organs in the body, heart problems are of major importance. Patients suffering from these conditions should immediately undergo check-ups and necessary treatment.

Heart conditions can be congenital or developed over time due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Others may have been triggered by trauma, resulting in emergency workup and long-term treatment. Due to the nature of cardiological procedures, they tend to be expensive, often causing people to avoid treatment if possible. However, we understand the importance of these procedures in ensuring a healthy heart. We offer low-cost cardiological diagnosis and treatments for people living in Cuenca, Ecuador, making these procedures more accessible than before.

Common Cardiology Procedures

A cardiology patient living in Cuenca, Ecuador, may undergo different procedures depending on their condition, age, and other risk factors. Common procedures include the following:

• Angioplasty: A mechanical procedure that widens arteries and promotes better blood circulation. Usually, atherosclerosis, a condition where white blood cells build up along the arterial lining, causes obstruction. This restricts good blood circulation, which is detrimental to health. A balloon catheter is used to widen arterial space.
• Heart Bypass: Also known as coronary artery bypass, this procedure involves grafting a vein or an artery from another part of the body and placing them into the narrowing artery caused by atherosclerosis. This invasive procedure often saves patients from coronary artery disease.
• Heart Valve Replacement: This procedure replaces heart valves with a bioprosthesis to ensure blood won’t flow back to the heart once it is pumped out. This also ensures oxygenated and deoxygenated blood will pass through their appropriate chambers. The heart has several valves, and a patient may undergo one or two replacements depending on their conditions.
• Pacemaker Implant and Reading: Heart contractions are triggered by electrical impulses. Some people experience electrical impulse issues resulting in problematic heartbeats and rates. Patients may undergo artificial pacemaker implantation and reading to use produced electrodes to make these electrical impulses more effective in contracting the heart.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: This procedure ablates electrical conduction problems in the heart and other issues on tissues using current from another source. Ablation is an outpatient procedure that can be completed whether the patient is conscious or under anesthesia.

Recuperation

Patients living in Cuenca, Ecuador, who will undergo these procedures require different recuperation procedures and schedules. Major surgeries may require patients to be hospitalized for more than a week. If the patient recovers without complications, they may soon be released and simply visit our facilities for some follow-up procedures. Medications intake must be followed accordingly.

Hospitalization is unnecessary for several procedures, although regular check-ups will be required to monitor patients’ progress.

Complications

Various complications may arise considering cardiac procedures’ generally invasive nature. Complications may include temporary irregular heartbeat, chest pain, infection on the incision area, and others. However, our experts will monitor our patients round-the-clock to see if these complications present and provide immediate treatment.

Preparations

Cardiac procedures vary, although general pre-operation procedures should be followed. These include a complete medical checkup to ensure the patient’s health and providing the right cardiologic treatment. Patients will undergo an electrocardiogram, 2D-echo, and other diagnostic procedures to assess the current condition of their hearts. Risk factors and potential complications will be introduced to the patient. Major surgery will put the patient under general anesthetics before incising the chest or shoulder area.

Heart problems can be fatal. Be mindful of the symptoms and contact our Cardiology department right away for heart disease-related symptoms at 410-8745 or send us an email.

*Originally published on Find Health in Ecuador October 15, 2014

Alternative medicine promotes the same healing benefits without subjecting the patient to actual medications. The introduction of this concept gave way to incorporating other traditional ways of healing that promote overall wellness. Nowadays, individuals living in Cuenca, Ecuador, have access to these healing procedures and experience the advantage of wellness minus the risk that often comes with usual medicines. Our experts conduct our alternative healing procedures with utmost care and are ideal for every patient looking for improved wellness while boosting their self-confidence.

Our Anti-aging Program

People age faster in terms of appearance due to numerous reasons. More than just physical appearance, even their own vitality is affected due to the amount of toxins that accumulate in the body. Our comprehensive anti-aging program follows a holistic approach that deals with procedures promoting youthfulness from within. Healthy internal processes promote better cell growth, guaranteeing radiant skin. Our anti-aging program is also beneficial for energy improvement to promote vitality. Our program runs for three weeks and includes different procedures that work together for patients’ advantage. Included procedures are as follows:

• Detoxification methods: These methods include draining out toxins utilizing various organic activities focused on different organ systems. Our procedures stimulate these activities to assure round-the-clock cleansing. Our experts also infuse a high concentration of vitamins and minerals to improve wellness.
• Colon cleansing: Detoxification is incomplete without having colon cleansing. Being the passageway of waste, colons tend to get impacted with toxins. Various procedures will release these toxins from this part of the body, which also offers slimming effects.
• Cellular therapy: This procedure promotes better energy for people. The aging process tends to affect energy and vitality as well. With cellular therapy, the body will have improved health than before.
• Cellular activation: Cellular activation will improve cellular growth and regeneration and guarantee better collagen production that helps in ensuring better skin.
• Other skin procedures: Other skin procedures will assure our clients better skin by stimulating better collagen and elastin growth. Skin will be firmer and more radiant than before.

Types of Alternative Healing Procedures

Alternative medicine still comes with numerous procedures that are meant to meet what patients require in terms of wellness. Common procedures include homeopathic therapy, energy-boosting procedures, chiropractic techniques, and many more.

• Complications: One of the good things about promoting alternative healing procedures is they don’t have significant complications for patients. Individuals living in Cuenca, Ecuador, who underwent these procedures only reported temporary discomfort being unused to the procedures. Several days after show the expected results of undergoing these procedures.
• Preparations: Despite being organic in nature, patients undergoing alternative healing procedures must undergo complete physical examinations first to ensure the procedure is recommended for their current health conditions. Patients must also provide the necessary information required by our experts to receive appropriate treatment. We also provide comprehensive information about specific alternative healing procedures to set our patients’ expectations.

Start improving your health and wellness with our alternative medicine. Learn more about our procedures by calling our line at 410-8745 or send us an email.

*Originally published on Find Health in Ecuador October 15, 2014